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A while back I had the opportunity to watch a Chinese presentation led by a martial arts master regarding kung-fu. When I started watching, I was expecting a lecture on historic lineage leading up to today. Luckily it was anything but that. The master started out by asking the question “What is kung-fu?” A few people did in-fact reference history and martial arts styles.

First things first- you really need to prepare. The best thing that you can do to pass the interview is intelligently use the time that you have before the interview. With the interviews coming up really soon (maybe some of them already happened?) you’re going to want to already have at least a couple weeks of anticipating questions, and preparing and rehearsing your answers under your belt. In my case, I studied with my parents, my girlfriend, Japanese teachers at my university, my roommates and by myself for 3 weeks before my interview and I probably could have used another week or so. Read the rest of this entry →

Hi all, by now they should have announced (or will soon) who made it to the interview stage. Congratulations to those of you that made it to the next stage, and for those of you that did not, don`t give up! Try again next year! Now there are a few things to do before your interview, and the requirements could change, but what I remember is needing to have a passport photo attached to a sheet with my general information on it that you hand in upon arrival. If you already have passport photos, but don`t like what they look like, retake them,and not the morning of the interview … like I did… that is one headache you don`t need! Read the rest of this entry →

There are two main times where you`re between steps and have nothing more to do until you hear back, I like to call this the “Dreadful Wait” stage. This is the first and potentially hardest. Read the rest of this entry →

After you have decided to apply for the JET Program, you have to actually do it…That may sound obvious, but so many people simply do not apply for the JET Program even though they would like to.

Life can throw a million mini unrelated hurdles at you that can make you stumble, get distracted and even forget to apply altogether. As such, it can also be a bit daunting and takes some time to complete, so please give it the attention it needs and start as soon as possible.

That brings us to the Online Application (to then be printed and mailed upon completion. Must arrive by the deadline, not mailed by the deadline.)Read the rest of this entry →

I know japan is relatively expensive and can you shed some light on what a salary like this would afford in japan in terms of lifestyle?

The JET Program salary is standardized (excluding Tokyo placements) to receive 3,360,000 Yen for their first year, and to have a gradual light increase per year. at the current conversion rate that comes out to ~$28,025.70 for the first year. A critical piece to keep in mind is that if you are coming from the USA (and you will be an ALT), you will be applying for USA and Japan Tax exemption for at least the first 2 years once accepted. This makes a massive difference as taxes usually take a hefty chunk out of your paycheck. From there you will have to pay a few forms of insurance that you must enroll in, as well as Japanese social security (you can get back the JSS upon completion of the program!!). I would estimate what you get per month at about 2,000 USD after any deductions. Read the rest of this entry →

If you have considered, or are considering, applying to the JET program then you have most likely considered the fact that it is a looooong application process (about 8-9 months). Followed of course by: Is it worth the wait? What will I be doing in almost a year from this point? Will I still be interested? Will I be qualified enough for the position? and everything else that pops up in your mind as you consider applying.Read the rest of this entry →